The Eagles capped off a disappointing season on New Year’s day against the division rival Redskins. The game itself had no meaning when it came to the playoff scenario but it was a chance for the Birds to finish off on a high note and avoid a losing season in the record column for the first time since 2005.
It was clear to anyone watching the Redskins already packed it in for 2011 before kickoff. The Eagles seemed to have a chip on their shoulder and wanted to end on a high note going into the off season. The bottom line is this team gelled way too late in the season and quite frankly it’s a shame because they are without a doubt the best team in the NFC East and their division record at 5-1 speaks for itself.
The Eagles finished 8-8 riding a 4 game winning streak where they won each game by at least 2 touchdowns. Where was this play during the early part of the season? One more win is all it would have taken to get into the playoffs.
The wide receivers finished strong on Sunday against the Redskins. DeSean Jackson playing in possibly his last game as an Eagle finished the afternoon with 4 catches for 86 yards and a touchdown which came on a vintage bomb down the field. It was a 62 yard pass from Mike Vick that was the longest passing touchdown of the season. For DeSean it was his 12 career touchdown catch of 60 yards or more and his 17th career touchdown of at least 60 yards. DeSean did a fantastic job of beating 2 Redskin defenders on the play.
The Eagles shied away from the deep ball to DeSean all season and waited until the last quarter of the season to break it out. DeSean showed great poise and focus on this catch and it’s this type of play that will hopefully land him back in Eagle green next season. Number 10 will finish below a thousand yards receiving falling 39 yards short of the mark for the first time since his rookie season.
DeSean admitted after the game he let certain things affect his performance throughout the season and offered an apology.
“I can admit to certain things affecting me during this season”, Jackson said after the game. “I just want to apologize … I probably could have handled it a little bit different, but now sitting here after the season’s over I can just say I was able to put it behind me and really just fight for my teammates, fight for my organization and just really knowing something good was going to happen out of the situation.”
Jackson reiterated that he hopes to return to the Eagles next season but understands it’s also a business. “It’s a professional game, it’s a business. I wish I could give you an answer saying if I’m going to be here next year or not but honestly I really don’t know, so we’ll just see how it plays out,” Jackson said.
The franchise tag is a possibility for DeSean next season and was asked if he’d be ok with playing under the tag in 2012 which offers an increase in salary but no longer term security. DeSean stated “Why wouldn’t I be?”
The bottom line is DeSean reminded everyone today why he needs to be in Eagle green next season with his long touchdown catch. This season was a learning experience for him and I expect if he’s back to come back with a fresh mindset and ready to put 2011 behind him. Hopefully the last 4 games was enough for DeSean to at least get an offer from the team. Andy Reid after the game commented on the 62 yard catch.
“That was a heck of a play. He was double-teamed like he has been for most of the year. The ball was actually thrown a little bit short. Michael [Vick] got a little bit of pressure and he put it up and DeSean weaved his way through and made the catch. It was a great play. Like he’s been most of the year, he had a couple of people covering him. I’m proud of him this last half how he battled through and did a good job.” I’m sure Andy Reid would like to do more of that in the future so hopefully he fights for DeSean and does whatever it takes to get him back on the field next season.
Jeremy Maclin looks to be back in full swing just in time for the season to end finishing the afternoon with 8 catches for 105 yards. It was his 7th career 100 yard receiving game. Maclin dropped a key touchdown in the endzone early in the game but bounced back with some tough catches as the day went on. Maclin proved to be Mr. Reliable throughout the afternoon and I expect more of the same from him in 2012.
Maclin clearly is not satisfied with going home after today instead of playing on saying “It will be tough to sit at home and watch the playoffs, but we have to maintain a positive outlook about what we could be and go into the offseason knowing that we can play with the best teams in the league.” He seems to be going into the off season with the right mindset and understands how critical of an offseason it will be for this franchise. Hopefully others on the team realize the importance of this offseason as well.
Brent Celek had another strong game finishing with 6 catches for 86 yards and a touchdown where he displayed great blocking ability before getting out for a pass and rumbling into the endzone. Celek also had another long catch of 30 yards during the finale and proved to be a great option for Mike Vick. During the Eagle wins this season one thing that was consistent was the stellar play of Celek.
I expect Andy Reid and company to work him into the passing game more next season after seeing the way Celek and Vick gelled down the stretch. After the game Celek commented on how the team will take the offseason. “We are going to work hard. We already talked about it. We have to stick together as a team, do a lot of teambuilding stuff and get ready for next year. Nobody is content. We knew that if they were going to let us into the playoffs, we were going to do a lot of damage. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it.”
I agree with Celek about the fact that if this team got into the playoffs they could have done some damage. Hopefully all the team building exercises pay off in 2012.
Jason Avant had 4 catches for 42 yards against the Redskins. Once again Avant did his damage over the middle of the field. Avant for the most part proved to be another reliable target for the Eagles passing game in 2011 and going forward I expect more of the same from him in 2012.
Chad Hall had 1 catch for 7 yards which turned out to be a touchdown for the young wide out. Hall looked to be tackled by 2 Redskin defenders before breaking free and running into the endzone. He showed great toughness and determination on the play and although he doesn’t have the size you’d expect from a typical NFL wide out he certainly has the passion and toughness to do whatever it takes to score.
Clay Harbor rounded out the receiving core with 1 catch for 9 yards. Harbor mixed in with Brent Celek proved to be effective in 2011. His role in the offense should increase in 2012 as the 2 tight end system seems to be working for other teams around the league.
The receivers had a strong finale against a helpless Redskin team but it was too late. The Eagles will miss the playoffs for just the third time since 2000 and the ninth time since 1988. The division was there for the taking in 2011. When I look back on the season I’ll think of what could have been if this team got their act together earlier in the year. The Eagles had more yards on offense in 2011 than any other season and it amazes me it wasn’t enough to get them into the playoffs.
This year was a learning lesson for everyone. You can look great on paper but at the end of the day you still need to go out and play the game and outperform the opposition. This team let way too many opportunities slip by and the turnovers killed any momentum they ever had. I expect with a full offseason for this team to come back with a swagger in 2012 and destroy every team in its path. The 2011 season is a thing of the past. Let the offseason commence in Philadelphia.
‘expect with a full offseason for this team to come back with a swagger in 2012 and destroy every team in its path. The 2011 season is a thing of the past.’
oh – you gonna be in trouble for that one – of course that implies the folks on this site can actually read the whole page before commenting on Reids weight, how our DC is really an OL coach, three bad jokes about Casey Matthews and reading about how bad our safeties are –
decent article – glad to see Chad Hall have some fun – tough to be the number 53 man on the roster.. hope he hangs on another year –
The Eagles front office really needs tongetntheir first round pick right this year. I believe they have the 13th pick. Would love to see a stud LB but I doubt that will happen. Also eager to see what they do with DJax. If he walks, will they take a look at Dwayne Bowe or Vincent Jackson? Perhaps a safety in free agency?
Eagles finished 2nd In the NFC East (2-0 head to head vs Dallas) and with finishing 8-8 will have somewhere between the 12th-16th Selection
I like the Eagles to Draft Safety Mark Barron from Alabama or MLB Donta Hightower from Alabama with their 1st ROund Selections
Lots of Good WR’s in Free-agency (D Bowe, V Jackson,M Colston,R Meachem.B Edwards,L Robinson, Steve Johnson etc,etc) but not too many Safeties out in Free-Agency this Season
I like WR Robert Meachem from the Saints.. Has Size and Speed and is not a diva type who plays in a simialr system in New Orleans where the ball gets spread out amongst 4-5 players…He would make a nice fit if D-Jax were to move on, and then Draft A youngester in a very Deep Draft for WR’s
Update.. ESPN has the EAgles getting the 15th Selection in the 2012 Draft
As it looks, they should have the Following
1st Round (15th Overall)
2nd Round (45th Overall from the Cardinals)
2nd Round (47th Overall)
3rd Round (79th Overall)
4th Round (101st Overall from Tampa)
4th Round (111th Overall)
5th Round (143rd Overall)
Then 3 Picks in the 6th Round (their Own,1 from Denver and 1 from the Patriots)
Eagles have no 7th Round Pick this Draft as it was traded to the Patriots
This is a very important Draft and a pretty good one with quality depth at most positions… I don’t think DE/OT are as strong as recent Drafts but there are some good QB,WR,RB,LB,DT,TE, Interior OL (G/C), CB and Safety and the EAgles will have 5 Selections out of the Top 101 Selections and 7 in the The Top 150.. So they need to do their homework and stick up on Talent
Top 20 Draft Selections Order per Espn for Non-PLayoff teams
The remaining 12 Selections will be based on how Teams finish in the Playoffs and not their Regular Season record (Example; if Giants went on and won the Super Bowl, they would have the #32nd Pick regardless of having a 9-7 Regualar Season Record..)
#1) Colts
#2) Rams
#3) Vikings
#4) Browns
#5) TB Bucs
#6) Redskins
#7) Jaguars
#8) Panthers or Miami (Coin Toss Winner)
#9) Panthers or Miami (Loser of Coin toss)
#10) Bills
#11) Cheifs or Seahawks (Coin Toss Winner)
#12) Chiefs or Seahawks (Loser of Coin Toss)
#13) Cardinals
#14) Cowboys
#15) Eagles
#16) Jets
#17) Raiders
#18) Chargers
#19) Bears
#20) Titans
That’s it for now
I’m not stupid, nor delusional enough, to be seduced by these last 4 wins. Don’t give me that the DF ended in the top 10. Talk about how stats are misleading.They faced quarterbacks Matt Moore, J.P. Losman, Mark “Dirty” Sanchez, Stephen McGee & Rex Grossman. All of whom are out of the playoffs & blow.
I think we all agree, we will be stuck with Square peg in round hole Reid, for another year & Castillo will be the next scapegoat. So here is what I think they should do to bring us back to prominence.
-If Reid is back, replace Castillo with Spags, Morningwood with Turner, both of whom will be fired by their teams. Or bring back Brad Childress.
-Release Asante. Let D-Jax & all of our free agents, except Dixon & Landri walk.
-Sign either WR V-Jax, Dwayne Bowe, or Colston.
-Sign 2 LB’s Tulloch, & 1 of either veteran LB’s, either Fletcher or Henderson.
-Sign 2 health risk players in LB D’Qwell Jackson, & DT Jason Jones.
-Must draft with first 2 picks DT Stills & either LB Burfict, LB Hightower, or LB Cole.
-With the rest of the draft, have to get a good QB prospect for the future, solid depth for both lines & secondary.
Just food for thought.
I want a f^#@ing Super Bowl. I don’t want another year of dreadful coaching & bad football & arguing with you boneheads!
Why does everyone keep thinking Former HC’s will want take Coordinator’s Positon Jobs right away.. Don’t you think some of these guys will want another chance to be a HC somewhere or maybe take a little time off to recharge (especially if they recieved nice buyout packages from their former teams)
– I think Resigning LG Evan MAthis is a Priority, if he walks and signs another deal, then the continuity of the OL is messed up, Herremans would probably move back to LG and then the EAgles would have Justice or try to find another RT thru Free-agnecy or the Draft to play that importatnt blind spot for VIck) — Sign Mathis (even if it means overpaying) and you have a solid OL for the next few Seasons barring any major injuries
– Attempt to Sign D-JAx or Franchise him for the 1 Season at $9.5 Million and go for broke in 2012.. I would offer him no more that a 3 Year Deal with a package of a total of $30 Million with a $7 Million SAlary Range and some Roster Bonus $$$ each year to keep him pumped over the 3 years.
– If D-Jax walks and doesn’t want to stay in Philly, then go out and sign a
WR Robert Meachem, Reggie Wayne, Steve Johnson, who can still bring Speed to the Outside and fit the Eagles Scheme better that the those that D-Car mentioned (Bowe,Colton,Vince Jackson) who are more possesion type of WR’s and really are not deep threats.. VJ has speed but has too many off-the field issues and Diva like qualities and will want mega bucks)
– SIgning LB Tulloch was be huge since he’s experience in the Wide-9 and is still in his prime at Age 28. (Fletcher is too old and Henderson is getting up there too and has had a couple of Knee surgeries over the last few Seasons so I would stay away from these players)
– I would also stay away from pursuing any health risk players for the Eagles and most teams rarely see success in that area– (Look at Steve Smith for the Eagles this Season, Safety Bob Sanders for the Chargers, LB Thomas Davis for the PAnthers who none of these players did much and were hurt again)
– Eagles have 3 Drafts Picks out of the Top 50 Players and need to add a LB,SDS,DT as their biggest needs and then use the remaining to add Depth to the OL,WR,FB,TE,QB Positions
Paulman Eagles Mock Draft (#1.6)
1st Rd (15th Overall) — SS Mark Barron (Alabama 6-2 220lbs)
2nd Rd (45th Overall f/Cards) – OLB R Lewis (Oklahoma 6-2 245lbs)
2nd Rd (47th Overall) — QB Nick Foles (Arizona 6-5 240 lbs)
3rd Round (79th Overall) – OT Nate Potter (Boise State 6-6 305lbs)
4th Round (101st f/Tampa) WR Dwight Jones (UNC 6-4 225lbs,4.5 Speed)
4th Round (111th Overall) DT Derek Wolfe (Cincinnati 6-5 305 lbs)
5th Round (143rd Overall) TE Rhett Ellison (USC 6-5 250 lbs runs a 4.75)
Eagles have 3 Selections in the 6th Round to select a FB, C/Guard,CB and DE Depth and need to find a Full-time Returnman
Paul, V-Jax & Bowe are not possession receivers. V-Jax has a 18 YAC & Bowe is in double figures also. Just because they are big, doesn’t mean they don’t have speed, or can’t spread the field. Both are legitimate #1 WR’s, both are complete WR’s & both also are fast for their size, & IMO, would be major upgrades over D-Jax, who is a glorified decoy, who doesn’t warrant big $$$! BTW, Wayne is a shot player, who has been a non-factor for 2-3 years, & Meachem & Johnson don’t give you not much more than D-Jax does. Colston, V-Jax & Bowe all will give us a dynamic that D-Jax can’t, a red zone threat, & will take a hit & not alligator arm passes. Usually you’re right on with your evaluations, but you’re off here. Also, all good WR’s are diva’s.
All WR’s have decent speed or that wouldn’t be in the NFL but they and Colston n I feel would not be as good as fits for what the Eagles do versus faster WR’s like Meachem,Wayne,Johnson.. V-Jax,Bowe,Colston are all going to command S Holmes/S Rice type of $$$ as they should for they are True #1 WR’s
What I probably should have said more clearly is that the Eagles don’t need a $10 Million Per Season WR.. They have a enough weapons where a good complimentalry Spped Guy would be a great addition and make up for what D-Jax does and then Draft a young big WR to groom for Red-Zone and to get bigger at the Position.. (See my 4th Round Pick listed above Dwight Jones from UNC)
if they aren’t going to pay D-Jax 10 Million per Season (and I don’t blame them) do you think they will now pay a V-Jax/Bowe/Colston that type of $$$
I don’t… Give me a pure Sppedter for 25-30 Snaps a game and then Drfat A young Big WR to give me a solid 4-5 WR Corps.. Days of relying on having a #1 a pure #1 and #2 are long gone, it’s about having a deep,effective WR Corps for various matchups..A WR for the Deep Routes, WR for Intermediate Routes, Big, physical WR to help in run blocking or down in the Red-Zone,Small quick WR for slot work and bubble screens,etc,etc
Look at the Good Teams with WR depth (Packers,Saints,Patriots,Falcons,Giants,Cowboys,Chargers,Texans,Steelers) they all go 3-4 and sometimes 5 WR’s deep to present diffenrent match-ups based on the game plan and the situation of the game… The Game is going more this way then relying on 2 WR’s to play you 60 Snaps anymore..
They would be worth the $$$ too. If the Birds franchise D-Jax, it will be $10M-$11M. I was told by a good source (real source, not a figment like yours), that D-Jax asked for $10M per, for 5 years, $30M guaranteed, in the off-season. So who would you rather have, V-Jax, or Bowe at $9M- $10M per, or D-Jax!?
How about Steve Smith at #4.5 Million and Chad Hall.. team is a .500 Club with an inaccurte QB, why spend Top $$ of Top WR’s..
On a serious note, V-Jax,Bowe,Coltson are True #1 WR’s and deserve to be paid as such.. Now D-Jax, no way.. I would offer a 3 Year $30 Million Deal
with a Yearly Salary of $7 to $8 Million range and then pay him a $5 million Roster Bonus this year to help pay back a little for him outplaying his rookie deal and then another $2.5 Million roster Bonus in Year 3 to keep him motivated.. If D-Jax and his Agent balk want a 5 year Deal, then I don’t even Franchise, I let him walk and move on and start working o acqyuring other talented WR’s where there are a lot of good ones in Free-Agnecy and this Draft has some very good ones too…